Renaissance Swordsmanship

At a glance..

The purpose of this work is to serve as a short reference for sword enthusiasts and a guide to direct their study. It is intended to dispel the many myths and misconceptions permeating the field of European swordsmanship and propagated by the media and entertainment.

The details..

"Renaissance Swordsmanship" by John Clements is an informative guide on Western sword fighting techniques. This work focuses on the historical function and use of rapiers and cut-and-thrust swords from a martial art perspective rather than exclusively military history viewpoint. It serves as an all-encompassing reference for those interested in learning more about European arms and armor.

The author's extensive research has resulted in this book being aimed at three audiences - sword enthusiasts who will appreciate its content; novice practitioners who have been without skillful guidance or comprehensive references; followers of Asian martial arts who are ignorant of their own Western martial heritage.

Unlike other works that describe European swords from museum curators' point-of-view focusing only on craftsmanship, artistry, hilt design etc., "Renaissance Swordsmanship" describes why certain weapons were fashioned that way or how they were used with accuracy. This approach helps readers understand weapon design better while also providing practical utility information.

Overall," Renaissance Swordsmanship" provides valuable insights into the world of Western sword fighting techniques through detailed descriptions accompanied by illustrations created by the author himself along with historical ones.